Autumn

I was on holiday last week and driving home through the Lake District was struck by the lovely colours of the trees. Autumn - a time of change, a time when God's glory is displayed in the wondrous colours of the trees around us. Autumn - a time when the clocks go back and the nights get longer. A time for reflecting back over the last year and a time for starting to look forward to the coming new year. A time for change and for new starts.

The blog has been rather quiet over the past year - but that does not mean that The Salvation Army has been quiet over the past year, nor has the work of Mission in Scotland. There has been lots happening over the past months and we are aiming to start posting again on a regular basis.

So what would you like to see on this blog, post any suggestions you may have in the comments section below please.

When September comes

So, the summer has all but left us but the memories are still fresh for many.

It was a summer when many activities are run at a base level and some cease completely while holidays and a well earned rest are embarked upon. Rest is definitely a part of mission.

Jesus rested, the disciples rested. They waited in anticipation of what would come after the rest.

The Psalmist tells the reader to wait.

Then the waiting ends, with new vigour in mission, renewed focus, the launch of new initiatives and activities, the embracing of autumn as a time for fruitfulness is very missional. The Hebrews regard autumn as being the most fruitful time of the year and the most productive of an individuals life. 

What if our church is in the autumn of it's years? Do we mourn for what is no more, or rejoice for the fruit being borne? What should we see as being drawing to a close so that the resources and energy required to maintain can be shifted into new areas? Or perhaps we want to focus energies on giving the ministry a good send off!

Be renewed, be energised by the Holy Spirit, be focused on Christ and His mission. Be fruitful - in season and out of season.